The Northern was originally a two-day event, with accommodation at one of the Manchester University halls of residence. It was a European Grand Prix event in 1993 and 1994 instead of London. It then was part of the MSO from 2003, when that was held in Manchester, and has since become a 3-round McMahon. For some years it was held in Stockport and it has been held in central Manchester in 2014/2015, before moving to the larger venue of Cheadle Hume School.

In 2015 it was sponsored by the Bank of East Asia and SAM Properties, with prizes:
The winner of the tournament received £100 and custody of a longstanding shield - the Red Rose Trophy - whilst the runner-up received £50. Cash prizes of £10 or £15 were awarded to others winning 2.5 or 3 games respectively.